light waves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light waves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physics, optics, or discussions about electromagnetic radiation. Example: "Light waves travel at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lidar uses light waves.

The Economist

These warm spots polarise light waves that pass through, meaning the light waves vibrate in one direction more than others.

The Guardian

Even light waves, it turns out, have their limits.

The New York Times - Science

Unlike radio, light waves will not penetrate walls.

The Economist

Another class of phenomena involves the polarization of light waves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When light waves strike a diffraction grating, they are diffracted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the light waves hit the cells suspended in the sample, scattering off the cells and interfering with the other light waves.

The New York Times

How do the captured light waves or generated sound waves represent a continuous function?

The New York Times

From these early formalist sculptures, Mr. Sonnier became fixated on exploring sound, image and light waves.

The New York Times

–How are sound waves produced and/or light waves captured by this device?

The New York Times

The reflection causes the light waves to oscillate in a horizontal direction.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "light waves", specify the type of light (e.g., visible light, infrared light) to provide clarity and context, especially in technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "light waves" interchangeably with other types of waves, such as sound waves or radio waves. While both are waves, "light waves" specifically refer to electromagnetic radiation within or near the visible spectrum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light waves" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring to a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "light waves" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase primarily used in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts to refer to electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function often revolves around describing physical phenomena or explaining scientific principles. While "light waves" is widely accepted, it's crucial to differentiate it from other types of waves like sound waves, ensuring precision in technical writing. Remember to specify the type of light to provide even greater clarity. Alternative phrases such as "electromagnetic radiation" and "optical radiation" can be used depending on the context. Finally, authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica frequently employ this term, reinforcing its validity and importance in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

electromagnetic radiation

This is a broader term encompassing all forms of energy that travel as waves, including light.

optical radiation

This phrase refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes visible light and its immediate neighbors.

light beams

Refers to focused or directed streams of light.

photonic waves

This term emphasizes the quantum nature of light, referring to it as a stream of photons.

visible spectrum

This specifically refers to the range of light waves that are visible to the human eye.

infrared radiation

Radiation with wavelengths slightly longer than visible light.

ultraviolet radiation

Radiation with wavelengths slightly shorter than visible light.

electromagnetic spectrum

This phrase includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

radiant energy

Energy that is transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves.

wave optics

Focuses on light's wave-like properties.

FAQs

What are some examples of how "light waves" interact with matter?

"Light waves" can be reflected, refracted, absorbed, or diffracted when interacting with matter. For example, reflection causes light to bounce off surfaces, while refraction bends light as it passes through different mediums.

How do scientists measure the properties of "light waves"?

Scientists use instruments like spectrometers and interferometers to measure properties of "light waves", such as wavelength, frequency, and polarization.

What is the relationship between "light waves" and color?

The color of light is determined by its wavelength. Different wavelengths of "light waves" correspond to different colors in the visible spectrum, ranging from red (longer wavelengths) to violet (shorter wavelengths).

What's the difference between "light waves" and "sound waves"?

"Light waves" are electromagnetic waves that can travel through a vacuum, whereas "sound waves" are mechanical waves that require a medium (like air or water) to propagate.